Congregation Shaarei Kodesh

Rabbi David Baum and Alissa Baum spent the summer with our Congregation Shaarei Kodesh campers at Camp Ramah Darom. They shared a delicious Oneg yesterday welcoming our USYers from Congregation Shaarei Kodesh and our sister synagogue in town, B'nai Torah Congregation - Boca Raton.

We are so proud of our campers and staff who had a meaningful summer at their home away from home.

Happy 4th of July from JTS!

JTS Celebrates America at 250. Watch these recordings from our recent webinar series about Jewish ideas and the American Experiment. https://loom.ly/PKaXYzs

Mazal Tov to Rabbi David Baum on 18 Years at Congregation Shaarei Kodesh!

Mazal Tov on this incredible milestone of beginning your 18th/Chai year of dedicated service to Congregation Shaarei Kodesh!

You have been our spiritual leader, teacher, guide, and friend. Through joyful celebrations, life’s challenges, and moments of reflection, you have inspired our congregation with your wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Jewish life.

Thank you for your leadership, your caring heart, and the many ways you have helped our community grow in faith, learning, and connection. We are truly grateful for all that you do and feel blessed to have you leading our congregation.

May you continue to go from strength to strength, and may the years ahead be filled with good health, happiness, and many more opportunities to inspire our CSK family.

Mazal Tov, Rabbi Baum, on 18 wonderful years!

Shalom Shaarei Kodesh,

Before many of us head out of town for summer vacations, especially as we celebrate our country's independence on July 4, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all of you: our incredible staff, our leadership, and all of our chaverim, for your unwavering support and commitment to our kehillah. We had an incredible year of learning, prayer, and so much more. We capped off our programming year with our first congregational trip to Israel, which was incredible despite the uncertainty of war.

On June 30, I will begin a mini-sabbatical and return to Shaarei Kodesh on August 11. During this time, I will be at Camp Ramah Darom as rabbi-in-residence, where I will spend time with our campers and accompany them to and from South Florida. I am grateful to our congregation for allowing me this time to recharge.

During my absence, I will not be answering emails, calls, or text messages. If there is an emergency that requires rabbinic assistance, please contact our office. This period will also be an opportunity for our chaverim to step up and take a more active role in our community. Cantor Hadash and our lay leaders will continue to lead our Shabbat morning services, and our talented chaverim will offer Divrei Torah. I hope you will consider attending, whether in person or on Zoom, to experience the beautiful Torah that will be shared this summer.

I wish you all a happy and safe summer, and an early happy Fourth of July as we celebrate our country's 250th birthday!

B'Shalom,
Rabbi David Baum

We are deeply concerned by ongoing instances in New York primary races and elsewhere in the country where support for Israel is treated as a litmus test or demonized. Jewish safety requires responsible leadership, and that responsibility starts with our elected officials. Mayor Mamdani's recent rhetoric about AIPAC contributes to feelings of vulnerability within the Jewish community and risks increasing hate crimes against Jews. Comments that dehumanize or potentially endanger our community are irresponsible and unacceptable.

Our Chaverim holding history in their hands during our congregation’ trip to Israel- an oil lamp from the 1st temple, playing dice from the second temple, and Hasmonean coins.

Mazal Tov to our own, Rabbi Ed Bernstein, on receiving the Ner Tamid Chaplain of the Year Award from Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains at their annual conference this past week. We are so proud of you and so lucky to have you as a chaver in our kehillah kedoshah!

We are heartbroken by the devastating attack that took place yesterday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and deeply horrified by the continued rise of Islamophobia and hate-fueled violence.

We know too well this pain and tragedy, and we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community at this difficult time. No one should ever fear for their safety in a sacred space of worship.

Today, members of our RA and Tzedek Center are gathering with other Jewish leaders in Washington, DC, to advocate for increased federal funding to help protect houses of worship across the country.

Our thoughts and prayers are with San Diego’s Muslim community, and with all those affected by this senseless act of hatred and violence.